Ad-hoc network routing metric optimization

Abstract

A network processing device calculates variable link metrics and then prioritizes selection of network links for sending packets according to the calculated variable link metrics. The variable link metrics can include a link capacity index that represents a combination of platform and interface capabilities for nodes on opposite ends of the network links. The link metrics can also include an expected retransmission value that indicates the percentage of packets that may have to be transmitted over different links.

Description

PRIORITY [0001] This application claims priority from co-pending provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 753,018 entitled: AD-HOC ROUTING METRIC OPTIMIZATION BASED ON CROSS-LAYER INFORMATION, filed Dec. 21, 2005 which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND [0002] Mesh networks provide continuous connections and reconfiguration around broken or blocked paths by “hopping” from node to node until the destination is reached. Mobile Ad-Hoc NETworking (MANET) is featured in many devices and is a subsection of mesh networking. Mesh ad-hoc networks are self-healing and very reliable since the mesh network can still operate even when a node breaks down or a connection goes bad. [0003] The mesh concept is applicable to wireless networks, wired networks, and software interaction. Mesh networks use inexpensive peer network nodes to supply back haul services to other nodes in the same network. The network is extended by sharing access to higher cost network infrastruct...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Problems solved by technology

However, in wireless mesh networks, link capacity, delay, bit error rate, and so forth can vary widely and dynamically.

However, a short time later the same wireless link may no longer provide the optimal path.

For example, the wireless connection could be jammed by another signal, one of the nodes for the link could move into a location where transmitting or receiving wireless signals is difficult, or other devices may start exchanging information with one of the nodes, slowing down transmit rates.

Thus, using a unit metric and choosing routing paths based on minimum hop counts may not necessarily provide the best way for transporting packets over a mesh network.

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